Agricultural Wheel Weight Self-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additional wheel weights for agricultural utility vehicles are cumbersome to assemble due to the need for precise positioning and securing of heavy weight disks, which can lead to insecure attachment and potential loosening during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A manually or externally actuated locking mechanism with an axially guided coupling element and releasable locking element, featuring a self-locking design with a locking contour that securely fastens the weight disk to the wheel rim, allowing for easy and secure attachment without additional tools or manipulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw bolts and multiple interlocking components are used to attach the weight disk, then the attachment can be secured, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple positioning steps and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and securing function into a single integrated locking mechanism. The L-shaped locking lever simultaneously performs positioning of the weight disk relative to the adapter plate and secures it in place, eliminating the need for separate positioning steps and multiple components like interlocking conical surfaces and spacer domes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-positioning and self-securing. The L-shaped locking lever automatically engages with the rounded corner of the weight disk and the corresponding feature on the adapter plate, allowing the operator to simply insert and secure the component without requiring precise manual positioning or additional tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning components like interlocking conical surfaces and spacer domes are provided, then correct positioning can be achieved, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded corner feature on the weight disk and the corresponding L-shaped locking lever create a self-positioning mechanism. The geometry of these features automatically guides correct alignment when the components are brought together, eliminating the need for multiple precision positioning components while maintaining accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary positioning components from the assembly. Instead of using interlocking conical surfaces, spacer domes, and other positioning features, the design uses a single L-shaped locking lever that performs both positioning and securing functions, significantly reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If the weight disk is secured with conventional fastening methods, then attachment can be achieved, but unwanted loosening due to vibrations during vehicle operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped locking lever is designed to engage with the weight disk and adapter plate before the vehicle begins operation. The geometry of the locking lever and its engagement features ensure that the weight disk is pre-positioned and pre-secured in the correct location, preventing any movement or loosening that could occur during vibration and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional fastening method that relies on threads or clamps that can loosen under vibration, the patent uses a positive engagement locking mechanism where the L-shaped locking lever physically interlocks with features on both the weight disk and adapter plate. This inverted approach from traditional fastening creates a more vibration-resistant connection.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Wheel weight (10) for an agricultural vehicle, comprising a weight disc (12) and a bracket (16) attachable to a wheel rim (14) for securing the weight disc (12), wherein the weight disc (12) comprises a locking mechanism (18) that can be operated manually and/or by external force, which has an axially extending guide opening (20) for receiving a coupling element (22) associated with the bracket (16) and a releasable locking element (26) for locking the coupling element (22) within the guide opening (20).